Two deaths confirmed in Michigan
Michigan health authorities announced Monday the first two deaths linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak. According to medical records, both deceased individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. The state health department said it would not provide additional information about the fatalities, noting that cyclosporiasis is generally not a life-threatening illness and death from it is uncommon in the United States.[S2][S3][S4][S6]
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 11,234 cyclosporiasis cases since June 22, up from 10,773 on July 31. Of those reported cases, 193 people were hospitalized as of July 30. Wayne County has reported the highest number of cases, with 1,379 infections. State data show adults aged 30 to 39 have been the hardest hit, accounting for 2,216 reported cases.[S2][S3]
National spread and linked lettuce
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 28, with more than 11,500 additional suspected cases awaiting confirmation. The agency is aware of more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected cases in the current surge, and state reports suggest the number exceeds 20,000 nationwide. Cases have been identified in 47 states and Washington, D.C., according to the CDC's latest tally.[S3][S5][S6]
Federal health officials have linked one outbreak spanning nine states to iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico and served at Taco Bell. In mid-July, Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of lettuce shipped from central Mexico, including bagged salads sold in grocery stores and served in restaurants. The FDA initially said the lettuce tested positive for cyclospora parasites, but later called that result a false positive, adding that overwhelming epidemiological data supports the link.[S3][S4][S5][S6]
The CDC expects illnesses to continue increasing through the end of August, when the typical Cyclospora season ends. Officials are also investigating at least one more cyclosporiasis outbreak beyond the one linked to lettuce. As of late July, 1,947 cases had been linked to the lettuce, including at least 98 hospitalizations. The agency said other brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels could be tied to the outbreak as the investigation continues.[S2][S4][S6]
Illness and precautions
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic, spherical parasite that infects the small intestine. It commonly causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, along with fatigue, nausea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite. The CDC says the illness is rarely deadly. Outbreaks tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer, and people can become infected more than once.[S2][S6]
The heat-loving parasite spreads through feces, and people have been infected in the past by consuming fruits or vegetables exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water. Cyclosporiasis is less common than salmonella and E. coli, and many cases are never linked to a specific food or source. The number of U.S. outbreaks began rising about a decade ago, with a notable spike in 2018 and 2019; previously, 2019 saw the most reported cases, with about 4,700.[S6]
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends that anyone with sudden and ongoing diarrhea contact their health care provider and local health department. For lettuce, officials advise buying whole heads rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits, discarding the outer two to three layers, and washing inner leaves under clean running water. Cooking greens to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 Celsius) is the safest option because the parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection.[S2]
